Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg is trying to dazzle his way to the NBA Rookie of the Year award. After a jaw-dropping 51-point performance on Friday, Flagg continued his sizzling stretch with 45 points on Sunday against LeBron James and the LA Lakers.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd compared Flagg to Michael Jordan on Friday after the 19-year-old star became the youngest in NBA history with a 50-point game. After the game against the Lakers, Kidd responded when asked to comment on Flagg’s impressive stretch (via Noah Weber):
“I just think he’s been doing what he’s been doing all season. Being able to play different positions, being able to be uncomfortable, has never complained, and has delivered for us. Again, tonight, being able to do it on national television. 40 points is not easy, especially coming off a 50-ball.”
The NBA wanted an Easter Sunday showdown between Cooper Flagg and former Mavericks franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic. However, Doncic has been shut down for the season after suffering a left hamstring strain on Thursday against the OKC Thunder.
Without Doncic and Austin Reaves (oblique), LeBron James and Flagg provided the star power. The four-time MVP led the Lakers with 30 points, highlighted by a pair of rim-rattling dunks, and 15 assists. However, it was Flagg, the fan favorite, who carried his team to the win.
The Mavs’ win ended a 14-game home losing streak, the worst in franchise history. Flagg ensured the team would not end the season carrying that embarrassing record.
Cooper Flagg Vows To Carry “Losing” as Biggest Motivation for Summer
While Cooper Flagg has had an impressive season, the Dallas Mavericks have been a disappointment. The Mavs are 25-53 after the win against the LA Lakers on Sunday, putting them at No. 12 in the Western Conference standings.
After the game, Flagg replied about what he will remember most about his rookie season (via Noah Weber).
“I think the losing. … It’s a terrible feeling. It’s not fun to lose so many games, so I think taking that and using that as motivation all summer long and getting ready for another season.”
Flagg received MVP chants late in the game but acknowledged that the Mavs haven’t given fans “a ton to show up for.” He plans to channel the experience of this season’s struggles into motivation for offseason improvement and give fans their money’s worth.
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